Mexico has agreed to host Iran’s World Cup team during the tournament after the United States declined to accommodate the squad. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced this on Monday during her daily press briefing.
FIFA contacted the Mexican government after the U.S. rejected arrangements for the team. Despite playing all three Group G matches on American territory, Iran will base its operations in Mexico.
Sheinbaum explained, “The United States doesn’t want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States.” She added that FIFA inquired if the team could stay in Mexico, to which Mexico responded positively.
“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum stated.
Newsweek reached out to the White House and State Department for comment.
Iran’s Base Camp Relocation
Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, announced the team’s training base would move from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana. He cited visa complications and security concerns related to the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran.
Taj stated in a Telegram video that Tijuana, a city near the Pacific Ocean, is ideal due to its proximity to the U.S. border. This location allows the team to avoid visa issues, traveling directly to Mexico via Iran Air.
The training base is close to Los Angeles, making it convenient for the two group matches scheduled there.
Visa and Security Challenges for Iran
Iran’s World Cup participation faced uncertainties. Iranian officials called for matches to shift from the U.S. to Mexico due to security concerns. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran’s participation as planned, emphasizing unity.
Visa issues persisted, with players and staff waiting for U.S. visas just weeks before the tournament. Applications were submitted during a training camp in Turkey.
President Donald Trump had remarked Iran could play but stressed safety concerns.
Iran’s Match Schedule
In its fourth consecutive World Cup, Iran will play group matches against:
- New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
- Belgium on June 21 at the same venue
- Egypt on June 26 in Seattle
The tournament spans from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Visa Restrictions for Other Nations
Iran is not alone in visa difficulties. The U.S. has imposed visa restrictions on 39 countries along with a $15,000 visa bond for fans from 50 nations. Though waived for some nations holding official passes, restrictions remain for Haiti and Iran.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces rigid rules due to the Ebola outbreak. The U.S. banned entry for non-Americans who’ve visited affected areas recently.
However, the DRC team received exemption, allowing participation in the World Cup.